ARSENE WENGER has come out fighting against his critics, saying Arsenal are in “fantastic shape” and insisting he would not swap places with Manchester City.

The Gunners are experiencing their worst start to a season since Wenger arrived at the club, in 1996, but he said: “I would not swap places with City because we have 23 games to catch up with them in the Premier League, but once you are out of a competition then you are out of it.

“This club is in fantastic shape. We have a good team, we are in a strong financial position and we are mentally strong.”

Wenger has left 11 first-teamers behind for the Champions League trip to Olympiakos tonight because his side have qualified already.